Eddie Nelson Upton

Eddie Nelson Upton, 76, died after a brief illness on September 6, 2022. Eddie was born on August 28, 1946, in Cherryville, North Carolina, to Joe J. and Mayzelle Upton. Following graduation from Cherryville High School, Eddie entered the Army and was stationed in Germany for two years, returning to the States in 1968. He then began his career as a salesman with American and Efird Thread, located in Gastonia, North Carolina. Eddie was assigned the Midwest territory, which brought him to Kansas City in 1972. Eddie left American and Efird in 1986 to pursue other sales positions in the Kansas City area, finally retiring in 2009.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents, Joe J and Mayzelle Upton; and, two siblings, David Upton and LaVonda Upton McSwain.

Eddie is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Ellen Lee McCartney-Upton; his children Danielle Upton Wright and Casey Upton, with his former wife Helen Milligan Upton; his grandchildren Evan Wright, Avery Upton and Brooke Upton, his son-in-law, Shane Wright and his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Blount Upton.

Eddie loved his family and friends and they will remember him for his sense of humor, easy-going style, devotion to the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, as well as anything “North Carolina.” Eddie was also a sports participant, enjoying softball and golf throughout his twenties and thirties. He and Ellen Lee loved to travel to exotic beaches and were frequent visitors to Las Vegas and Walt Disney World. Eddie and Ellen Lee were successful gardeners throughout their marriage and took particular pride in their 20 year-old lemon tree.

The family invites colleagues and friends who knew Eddie to celebrate his life from 1 to 3 pm, Saturday, September 17 at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dwnwhitechapel.com for the Upton family.